Consultant Ophthalmologist advises that Glaucoma has a significant impact on Dominica's healthcare system

Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts, says Glaucoma has a significant impact on the island's healthcare system.
 
She says patients require medications to control the disease, and while some of the medications are provided free of charge, most of the newer and more effective ones come at a cost.
 
According to Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts, these medications are only available at central medical stores, creating a deterrent for persons living in rural communities.
 
She says while she hopes in the near future, these medications will be available free of charge, it will come at a significant cost to government.

Dr. Ricketts was speaking following a lecture and exhibition at the St. Joseph Health Centre, which formed part of activities for World Glaucoma week, this week